E—No. 5a

THE NATIVE OFFENDERS BILL, 1856.

5. What do you think of the Native Offenders Bill?—I think the present operation of the law is sufficient to deter the Commission of offences by the Natives against the Europeans, and that there is sufficient respect for the law amongst the Natives to induce them to obey it. I have known this in frequent cases. I have known them to 6ubmit to a magistrate's summons, and submit to his decision. I have not known a single case in evasion of such summons, since the war at Kororareka, in which the Natives have refused to obey the ordinary process of the law. In my judgment, it would be unnecessary to have recourse to any more stringent law. Ido not think they would be pleased at it; it would cause agitation. Ido not think it would be desirable, such a measure as that proposed. 6. Have you heard of the Kawau robbery of powder?—l have heard of the Kawau powder stealing. 7. How would you proceed in such a case as that?—l would first apply to the chief, who, I think, would have no objection to deliver up the offender: they would do so in my neighbourhood. lam not acquainted with the Natives in this particular district. 8. If the chiefs refused to give them up, what then?—l should state there would be no necessity for hostile means to make them give them up—l mean the ordinary or armed force. Ido not think that would lead to collision; it would induce the offender to be given up. 9. Would not that depend somewhat on the temper of the tribe?—l do not think that this particular tribe are such warriors as the Ngapuhi tribe. 10. If they were threatened with hostilities would that cause you to be apprehensive of collision?—l should not think so. I think that they would hand over the powder the moment they saw such hostile measures before them. 11. Do you think that the risk of having their vessels seized would influence them in giving up the powder?—l have no doubt it would. 12 Mr. Henderson.] You were residing at Wangarei, during the war with Heke, —did the blockade obtain any effect in obstructing supplies to the Natives? —It had none whatever. 13. Chairman] What power was employed there? —There were two men-of-war, I think. Whilst the blockade was on, I sent out of Wangarei harbour about two hundred tons of kauri gum. 14. Did the Natives suffer much inconvenience or loss, owing to this blockade?— The Natives suffered a great loss, in consequence of the war; the distress they suffered rendered them pleased to return to a state of peace. The blockade had no effect. 15. Would it be difficult for the Coromandel district to be blockaded, so as to prevent intercourse between the tribes?—l should think great difficulty. It would be a most expensive affair. 16. Would it be possible for the Natives to obtain supplies?—l should think there would be no difficulty. I think their vessels ought to be seized, —they would then come to terms. Mr. Siioweon then withdrew. . Friday, August Ist, 1856. Mr. Titus Angus White in attendance, examined. 1. Chairman.] Where do you resiJe Mr. White?—l am a resident in Auckland, and live in Nelson-street. 2. What are your occupations, with regard to the Natives!'—l am Native Commercial Agent and Interpreter. I have resided in the Colony about 22 years, and during that time have been following commercial pursuits in the north part of the Island. 3. Where have you been chiefly following these pursuits?— Principally at Hokianga. 4. Are you intimately acquainted with the dispositions and customs of the Natives?—l am. 5. Is the law, as now administered, sufficient, in your opinion, for the preservation of order and good government of the Natives?—lt is to a certain extent. The law is of itself sufficient, so far as I know, —but at times, from the want of persons entrusted with the administration of it not having a thorough knowledge of Native character, it fails of effect. 6. Do you think that the failure of the law has very much arisen from want of proper explanation of it to the Natives?— Whenever the law has been properly explained to them, they are ready to receive and respect it. 7. There is then an habitual respect for British law?— There is: indeed they are desirous of being under British rule generally; there are a few here and there who are otherwise disposed. 8. Do you apply that remark to the Natives generally, or lo those in the vicinity of settlements? —Generally. 9. Is there a feeling amongst them of disrespect for the law, arising from the fact of the law not being carried out?— There is; it brings it into contempt more particularly where it is shewn the law is not put into execution. I will explain —particularly when they see favor shewn: that creates in their minds an unpleasant feeling. 10. Do you think British law can be carried out amongst the Natives? —Not to that extent as with Europeans. 11. What does that arise from?— Partly from the difference of Native custom, partly from local circurr lances. 12. What is your experience as to the respect shewn to summonses from the law courts amongst the Natives?— They are generally treated with respect and attention. 13. You are aware of the Native Offenders Bill now before the House, —what is your opinion of it ? The nature of the Bill is under certain extreme cases to enable the Governor to prohibit trade and intercourse with Natives of a disturbed district, to authorize the seizing of their vessels and property,

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